Written ability Test (WAT) is a tool to test CAT aspirant on assessing overall communication and personality so it is important and crucial component of selection process.
Today, you will read WAT Topic: Debate is not an argument
A conversation filled with discussion from all parties can clear many doubts and bring out the main issues on the table. On the contrary, a conversation which transforms into an argument often turns out to be nothing more than a cause for sore ears. Before indulging in any debate, it is important for people to understand what is actual debating? Is a debate a casual conversation or a heated argument?
The answer is none. A debate is neither a casual conversation nor an argument. A debate is a serious discussion on a particular topic and thus, the scope of inclusiveness of a wide range of issues within a debate on a particular topic is quite limited. More often than not, debate turn into arguments. Is it right to give a debate a violent turn?
Certainly not. In any debate, individuals are required to present their personal view. Every person is given a chance to have their say. Even when an individual does not agree with a statement that a counter party makes during a debate, the individual is expected to explain his point in a polite manner. Screaming and yelling are not a part of the practice called debating.
Do not screaming and arguments add to the drama of the debate? Sometimes, while debating, individuals get so involved that in order to make their point, they raise the pitch of their voice and adopt a more violent form of speech.
This, rather than adding to the effectiveness of the debate or drawing attention to the point that the individual is making, diverts the attention of the listeners away from it. When debates turn into arguments, audiences either lose interest or get more involved in enjoying the verbal tiff rather than concentrating on the topic of the debate itself.
Thus, though there are not many rules stated for debating, participants should always keep in mind that debates are about making one’s point in a polite and interesting way. Debates are neither about creating agendas nor a platform for exhibiting violent mannerisms.
Debates are a place to let the audience know both side of a story – the pro and the con; for and against of the motion. Arguments should strictly be kept out of debating.